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Loneliness is a universal experience, cutting across age, gender, race, and socioeconomic background. However, for some individuals, particularly the vulnerable among us, this state of solitude can transform into a chronic condition. Intriguingly, even those with robust social support systems are not immune to feelings of loneliness.
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VA neurologist, Dr. Indira Subramanian, paints a poignant picture of how a seemingly content married couple can also experience loneliness, emphasizing that loneliness is a subjective state. It is crucial to note that loneliness is not reflective of a character flaw but represents a gap between one’s existing state of connection and the desired level of social interaction.
A significant portion of our Veterans grapple with this sense of disconnection, often following discharge or during later life stages when many of their close acquaintances have moved on or passed away.
Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and social workers, have identified and addressed loneliness for many decades. A considerable number of Veterans who experience chronic loneliness often do not have regular social interaction, like receiving visitors or phone calls. This lack of social contact can lead to an increased propensity to visit emergency departments, contact crisis lines, and develop clinical conditions such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideations. Some may even resort to substance abuse to cope with their feelings of loneliness.
Recognizing the pressing issue of loneliness among Veterans, the VA has put forth a multitude of programs designed to offer support. Among these are pet therapy, music therapy, and group therapy initiatives. In certain regions, Veterans receiving care can request weekly visits from trained volunteers, providing both companionship for the Veterans and regular respite for their caregivers.
These innovative programs form a crucial part of the VA’s approach to mitigating the detrimental effects of loneliness among our Veterans, emphasizing the importance of social connection in promoting overall mental well-being.
Compassionate Contact Corps: An Initiative Against Veteran Loneliness
Since the onset of the pandemic, the emergence of virtual programs aimed at enhancing social interactions has offered a beacon of hope for many. A standout among these is the Compassionate Contact Corps, a unique initiative that underscores the critical role human connection plays in tackling loneliness and enhancing mental health among Veterans.
Compassionate Contact Corps operates outside the clinical domain. The crux of the program revolves around pairing a trained community volunteer with a Veteran, whose clinician has identified them as likely to benefit from additional social interaction.
Each week, the volunteer makes a call to the Veteran. These phone calls, typically ranging from 15 to 60 minutes, provide an opportunity for meaningful conversation. This initiative has earned the recognition as a signature program of both the American Red Cross and Soldier’s Angels, seeing substantial involvement from other Veteran service organizations dedicated to alleviating loneliness among their ranks.
The Compassionate Contact Corps’ importance lies in its effort to harness the power of social connectivity to improve the mental health and overall well-being of Veterans, particularly in a time when physical distancing norms have increased the sense of isolation for many.
If you’re moved by the chance to support our most vulnerable Veterans, consider volunteering for the Compassionate Contact Corps, or explore other incredible volunteer opportunities available through the VA. Every interaction can make a substantial difference in a Veteran’s life, proving that even in challenging times, the power of human connection should never be underestimated.
